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Providing safe and nutritious food for children globally is a challenge. In Rwanda, an initiative was introduced in 2018 to tackle chronic malnutrition by offering fortified porridge flour to economically disadvantaged families during critical periods. However, flour-based products in the sub-region have caused public health concerns following aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination. This study analyzed the levels of AFB1 in 197 porridge formulations from health centers, and 248 samples of porridge ingredients from open markets in three districts of Rwanda. Samples were collected between June 2021 and December 2022 and analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. Of the 197 samples from health centers, 97.9 and 89.8% exceeded the European Union maximum limits for baby foods and foods for special medical purposes (0.1 [micro]g/kg), and cereals and nuts (2 [micro]g/kg), respectively with an average contamination level of 2.77 pg/kg ([+ or -]0.98). Only four samples exceeded the East African Community maximum limits of 5 [micro]g/kg for AFB1. Samples from open markets that exceeded the European Union and East African community limits of 0.1 [micro]g/kg, 2 [micro]g/kg, and 5 [micro]g/kg ranged from 17 to 100%, 0 to 100%, and 0 to 100%, respectively. Site and processing significantly influenced levels of AFB1 contamination in open-market samples. The mean AFB1 levels were 17.85 [micro]g/kg ([+ or -]70.25) in Burera District, 36.04 [micro]g/kg ([+ or -]85.59) in Huye District, and 9.01 [micro]g/kg ([+ or -]18.49) in Nyarugenge District. The average AFB1 levels significantly varied between different products. Peanut samples showed higher contamination levels of 56.79 and 99.08 [micro]g/kg for grain and flour, respectively. Flour samples in general had a higher mean of 51.65 [micro]g/kg ([+ or -]105.75), compared to grain samples, 16.5 [micro]g/kg ([+ or -]44). Thus, there are potential health risks associated with chronic exposure to AFB1 in children consuming flour-based foods from health centers and open markets. Interventions to mitigate AFB1 contamination and protect children should focus on food processing practices, implementing strict quality control measures, and raising awareness among stakeholders about the risks of AFB1 in flour-based products provided to children in Rwanda and similar settings. Key words: Flour-based porridge, contamination, aflatoxin B1, children, Rwanda, INTRODUCTION Safe and nutritious foods remain a challenge globally. Children are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, which often leads to a higher incidence of diarrhea and hindered growth [1]. To ensure [...]

This study aimed to investigate the survival and persistence of enveloped phi 6 bacteriophages on several fomites at farmers markets and simulate cross-contamination at farmers markets. Fomites from farmers markets were inoculated with phi 6 bacteriophages (a surrogate for coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2) and plaque forming units (PFUs) were assessed over 30 days at 23 [+ or -] 2 [degrees]C. Phi 6 persisted up to 16 days on wicker, 13 days on plastic, 4 days on cardboard and molded pulp fiber, and 2 days on tablecloths. The transfer rate of phi 6 from fomites to hands and produce was assessed at high and low phi 6 concentrations at 23 [+ or -] 2 [degrees]C. With a high concentration level ([10.sup.7] PFU/ml), the mean transfer rate from fomites to produce ranged from 21% to 30%, and fomites to hands ranged from 21% to 29%, while with a low phi 6 load ([10.sup.3] PFU/ml), the transfer rate from fomites to produce ranged from 10% to 30%, and no phi 6 was detected from fomites to hands. The results highlight the high risk of cross-contamination from fomites. From a practitioner and public health standpoint, the results of our study show the need to address the use of containers made from cardboard, molded pulp fiber, and wicker, and to ensure that these containers are not reused over time. In addition, managers of farmers markets should encourage the use of nonporous and easy-to-clean and sanitize reusable containers and other food contact surfaces., Introduction According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA, 2019), the number of farmers markets has risen from 1,755 in 1994 to 8,771 in 2019. This expansion of farmers markets [...]

Multidrug resistant Salmonella infection has become one of the most dangerous health concerns in Sub-Saharan Africa. Most previous research shows that food and water are the sources of the human Salmonella infection in Ghana. This article examines Salmonella contamination of fufu, a thick paste prepared from pounded boiled tubers, traditionally prepared using pestle and mortar, a common food in West and Central Africa. The fufu grinding machine, a new technology for grinding fufu, is gaining root in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the urban areas where most people are inclined to use machines to minimize drudgery, leaving behind the traditional way which involves the use of a wooden mortar and pestle. To investigate the sources of these contaminations, 100 samples were collected from 50 randomly sampled fufu grinding machines in the Tamale Metropolis to examine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella species. Fufu samples (SA) and fufu wash-out samples (SB) were collected from each grinding machine as described in ISO 6579:2002 protocol for the detection of Salmonella in food. Of the total 100 samples, 27% were confirmed Salmonella positive, of which 16 were fufu samples while 11 were fufu wash-out samples. Forty-eight percent (48%) of the 50 machines were contaminated with Salmonella. Contamination of wooden machines (85.7%) was higher as compared with the metallic machines (41.9%). The resistance levels of the isolates to the various antibiotics used were as follows: gentamicin (7.1%), nitrofurantoin (18.5%), ciprofloxacin (22.2%), erythromycin (81.5%), ceftazidime (85.2%) and ceftriaxone (88.9%). More of the isolates were resistant to three or more antibiotics (81.5% multidrug resistance). From this research, it can be concluded that there is high prevalence of Salmonella isolated from fufu grinding machines in the Tamale metropolis. Measures must be taken by the regulatory authorities to ensure that fufu prepared in grinding machines is safer. Also, awareness creation on antibiotic resistance and strict enforcement of laws on self-prescriptions of drugs would help avert multidrug resistance. Key words: Fufu, fufu machine, Salmonella, antibiotic resistance, Tamale-Ghana, INTRODUCTION Foodborne diseases are important global health concern, especially in developing countries [1, 2, 3]. The most common mode of infection of humans is by the ingestion of contaminated food [...]

Aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination was assessed in different samples along the maize value chain in different territories of South Kivu province. Kabare and Ruzizi Plain were chosen as they represent two different agroecological areas where maize is mostly produced. Twelve districts and one town were selected across the province. The stakeholders were randomly selected, and 215 maize (139 maize grain and 76 maize flour) samples were taken for laboratory analysis. The Q + kit was used to determine the total aflatoxins and fumonisins. Three categories of maize were examined: freshly harvested dry maize, stored maize (maize stored for 3 months [+ or -]1.5 month) and market maize. Aflatoxin was found in 100% of the maize samples with the least content of 0.3 [micro]g/kg detected in freshly harvested dry maize with mean 3.2+0.3 and levels ranging from 0.3 to 18.5 [micro]g/kg. The average level of aflatoxin in stored grain samples was 97.9[+ or -]182 [micro]g/kg within a range of 1.16 to 841.5 [micro]g/kg, and the mean level of aflatoxin in stored flour was 148.9[+ or -]164.5 [micro]g/kg with levels ranging from 2.05 to 905.1 [micro]g/kg. The mean level of aflatoxin maize collected from the market was 95.1 [+ or -]164 [micro]g/kg, with levels ranging from 1 to 823.2 [micro]g/kg. Almost all the maize flour collected from the three areas had a high contamination level that exceeded the maximum tolerable limit of 10 [micro]g/kg. Fumonisin was detected in all samples. However, the levels of fumonisin do not follow a specific trend with the duration of storage. The freshly harvested dry maize concentration was 2.4[+ or -]5.1 [micro]g/g, with levels ranging from 0.03 to 20.9[micro]g/g. About 37% of freshly harvested maize samples contaminated by fumonisin exceeded the maximum tolerable limit of 4 [micro]g/kg. There was a difference between total fumonisin in grain and flour; the average level of fumonisin in stored maize grain was 1.4[+ or -]0.9 [micro]g/g with levels ranging from 0.18- 4.7 [micro]g/g while in flour, the level was 2.1[+ or -]1.3 [micro]g/g with levels ranging from 0.3-4.5 [micro]g/g. Almost all the maize samples collected from the three areas had a degree of contamination that did not exceed the maximum tolerable limit of 4 [micro]g/g. These results indicate that the two mycotoxin levels, particularly aflatoxin, were high in the different samples collected at specific nodes. Therefore, preventing mycotoxins accumulation in maize by post-harvest prevention of contamination and growth of toxigenic moulds by promoting proper grain drying and storage should be encouraged among the actors of the maize value chain. Key words: Aflatoxins, Fumonisins, Food value chain, Maize, South Kivu, INTRODUCTION Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop used as an energy source by humans and animals in different parts of the world. In Africa, maize is a [...]

Microlitter is a widespread contaminant with implications for aquatic health; however, knowledge of its distribution in fresh waters is limited. We examined microlitter in surface water, sediment, and mussels within the Saint John River and four major tributaries. Microlitter was present at all 89 sites, with concentrations in water equivalent to other Canadian watersheds. Microlitter concentrations likely reflected differences in land use and development. Comparisons between rivers generally revealed distinct water microlitter particle compositions, suggesting that input sources were specific to each river, while microlitter in sediments and mussels was largely homogeneous among rivers. There was little similarity in concentration and composition of microlitter among the three matrices sampled. Microlitter in sediments and mussels may not reliably track concentration and composition in aquatic environments. Microlitter concentration was not significantly greater downstream of wastewater treatment plants. Airborne microlitter transportation was evident, as remote sites in two tributary rivers demonstrated the highest concentrations of microlitter. Our data highlights the prevalence of microlitter in rural rivers, underscoring the ubiquity of this emerging contaminant and its integration into food webs. Si les microdechets constituent un contaminant repandu qui a des repercussions sur la sante des milieux aquatiques, les connaissances sur sa repartition dans les plans d'eau douce sont limitees. Nous avons examine les microdechets dans l'eau de surface, les sediments et les moules dans le fleuve Saint-Jean et quatre principaux affluents. Des microdechets etaient presents dans les 89 sites etudies a des concentrations comparables a celles observees dans d'autres bassins hydrographiques canadiens. Les concentrations de microdechets refletent probablement differentes utilisations et occupations du sol. Des comparaisons des differents cours d'eau etudies revelent generalement differentes compositions de particules de microdechets dans l'eau, ce qui indiquerait des sources distinctes pour chaque riviere, alors que les microdechets dans les sediments et les moules sont generalement homogenes d'une riviere a l'autre. Les trois matrices echantillonnees presentent peu de similitudes entre elles en ce qui concerne les concentrations et la composition de microdechets. Les microdechets dans les sediments et les moules pourraient ne pas donner un portrait fidele de la concentration et de la composition des microdechets dans les milieux aquatiques. La concentration de microdechets n'est pas significativement plus elevee en aval d'usines de traitement des eaux usees. Les plus grandes concentrations de microdechets sont observees dans des sites eloignes dans deux affluents, ce qui temoigne du transport aerien de microdechets. Nos donnees font ressortir la prevalence des microdechets dans les rivieres rurales, soulignant l'ubiquite de ce nouveau contaminant et son incorporation dans les reseaux trophiques. [Traduit par la Redaction], 1. Introduction Microlitter has gained global attention as a nearly ubiquitous environmental contaminant; however, at present, the fate, transport, and extent of microlitter in fresh waters--especially within rural regions--remains poorly [...]

Culture data representing 96 observations of larval survival for the blue crab (Cullinectes sapidus) over the time period 2008-2019 were examined to determine factors relevant to larval health and survival. The study spans years before and following the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Variability in survival of cultured larvae was high over the study period, despite attention to water quality standards and consistent culture protocols. Generalized linear models were constructed using the pre/postspill factor, several covariates, and individual crabs as subjects to predict the 96 larval survival observations from cultures representing 25 individual spawning female crabs. Survival decreased with age of the culture and nitrite concentration as covariates for both zoeal and megalopal stages. Notwithstanding effects of the two covariates, prespill survival was substantially higher than postspill survival for both zoeae and megalopae. Mean prespill survival values of 13.2% and 21.5% were notably higher than mean postspill survival of 4.7% and 11.2% for zoeae and megalopae, respectively. Postspill studies in the northern GOM found widespread evidence of PAH contamination associated with the DWH event in coastal biota, including wild-caught blue crab megalopae. The co-occurrence of oil and larvae offshore coupled with the oiling of megalopal settlement habitats, juvenile maturation habitats, and barrier island spawning areas suggest there was a high potential for PAH exposure to blue crab populations at all life history stages. Based on published data and known exposure mechanisms, plausible pathways exist for carryover effects of oil on developing larvae. Although the history of contaminant exposure to spawning blue crab females was unknown, the pattern of larval survivorship concurs with published environmental impacts and suggests that bioenergetic effects associated with PAH exposure may have affected maternal crabs or embryos during embryogenesis. KEY WORDS: Callinectes sapidus, blue crab aquaculture, water quality, PAH, embryogenesis, INTRODUCTION The blue crab Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) supports large and valuable commercial and recreational fisheries along the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). In addition, it is [...]

Poultry production with the majority of free-range chickens is widely practiced in rural communities of low-income countries. Chickens and their eggs are important sources of income and food for the family. Eggs are nutritious with high quality protein and several macro-and micro-nutrients. Evidences showed that increased consumption of eggs improved the nutritional status of children under the age of two years. Projects aimed at increased egg intake among infants and young children have been implemented with different models and approaches, resulting in different outcomes. This paper reviewed the effectiveness of interventional studies in increasing egg intake among infants and young children in low-income countries. A total of eight articles were selected using PubMed and Google Scholar search engines with inclusion criteria of interventions with randomized and controlled study design that measured egg intake among children under the age of two years in low income countries, published in the last five years (from 2015 to 2019) and written in English. The interventions were systematically classified into three categories based on their implementation model: agriculture/poultry only, nutrition education only, and integrated poultry and nutrition interventions. All the models showed increased egg intake with different levels of significance. Poultry only interventions were successful in egg production in excess quantity increasing egg consumption of infants and young children. However, the interventions were challenged by caregivers' priority for income from the sale of the eggs and birds than feeding the children. Hence, egg intake did not increase high enough to the level of an-egg-a-day despite production and availability. Promoting egg for complementary feeding, interventions of nutrition education only resulted in significantly increased egg intake among children under the age of two years. Nevertheless, its sustainability might be challenged as it requires buying eggs every time, creating an economic burden to the rural low-income families. The third model integrated poultry and nutrition interventions, significantly increased egg consumption even with small scale poultry using local chickens by improving nutrition awareness of caregivers and increasing egg availability at household level, demonstrating greater potential of sustainability. Poultry interventions targeting increased egg intake among infants and young children in low-income countries need to be integrated with nutrition education for maximum effect with minimal cost. Moreover, the implementation of strategies to reduce chicken excreta contamination of the environment is equally important for the children to benefit the maximum from increased egg intake. Key words: egg intake, poultry, nutrition education, egg-a-day, low-income countries, RURAL POULTRY PRODUCTION Poultry production is commonly practiced, and chickens are the most widely used poultry for their eggs and meat globally, compared to guinea, turkey, geese, ducks, and pigeons [...]

Lake food web structure dictates the flow of energy and contaminants to top predators, and addition of invasive species can shift these flows. We examined trophic position (TP), proportional reliance on the littoral zone ([Pro.sub.plittoral]), and mercury (Hg) concentrations across the life-span of two predatory fishes, walleye (Sander vitreus) and northern pike (Esox lucius), in lakes with and without invasive virile crayfish (Faxonius virilis). The littoral zone was the dominant foraging zone for both species regardless of size, accounting for 59% and 80% of the diet of walleye and pike, respectively. Both species increased in TP and Hg with body size, as did crayfish. Walleye in crayfish-present lakes had lower [Pro.sub.plittoral], TP, and Hg concentrations compared with non-present lakes, but trophic magnification of Hg through the food web was consistent across all six lakes. These findings underscore a strong role for the littoral zone in channeling energy and contaminants to higher trophic levels and how invasive species can occupy new habitats at low abundance while altering food web structure and contaminant bioaccumulation. La structure des reseaux trophiques de lacs dicte les flux d'energie et de contaminants vers les predateurs de niveau trophique superieur, et l'ajout d'especes envahissantes peut modifier ces flux. Nous examinons la position trophique (PT), le recours proportionnel a la zone littorale ([Pro.sub.plittoral]) et les concentrations de mercure (Hg) durant la vie de deux poissons predateurs, le dore jaune (Sander vitreus) et le grand brochet (Esox lucius), dans des lacs abritant ou non des ecrevisses a pinces bleues (Faxonius virilis), une espece envahissante. Le littoral est la zone d'approvisionnement predominante pour les deux especes, peu importe la taille, representant 59 % et 80 % des regimes alimentaires des dores jaunes et des grands brochets, respectivement. La PT et les concentrations de Hg augmentent avec la taille du corps chez les deux especes, tout comme chez l'ecrevisse. Les dores jaunes dans les lacs abritant des ecrevisses presentent des [Pro.sub.plittoral], PT et concentrations de Hg plus faibles que les dores jaunes dans les lacs sans ecrevisses, mais il y a uniformement amplification trophique du Hg le long de la chaine alimentaire dans les six lacs etudies. Ces constatations soulignent l'important role de la zone littorale dans le transfert d'energie et de contaminants vers des niveaux trophiques superieurs et le fait que des especes envahissantes peuvent occuper de nouveaux habitats en faible abondance, mais modifier tout de meme la structure du reseau trophique et la bioaccumulation de contaminants. [Traduit par la Redaction], Introduction The structure of lake food webs has important implications for energy flow and contaminant bioaccumulation (Vander Zanden and Rasmussen 1996). Both horizontal and vertical food web structure play roles [...]

Improper farmers' postharvest handling practices of sorghum grain coupled with adverse climatic conditions are conducive for fungal growth and toxin production. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association of farmers' sorghum grain postharvest handling practices with aflatoxin [B.sub.1] and total fumonisin contamination in three districts (Babile, Haramaya and Kersa) of East Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia. A total of 90 sorghum grain samples were collected in two phases. Half of the total samples were collected from the threshing yards at the time of threshing and the other half of samples were collected from underground storage pits 5 - 6 months after storage in the year 2013/14. Quantification of the mycotoxins was done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Farmers threshed their sorghum grain either on bare ground, on cow dung smeared ground or on canvas while the underground storage pits were differently managed in all the three study districts. Variation in mycotoxin contamination levels were evidenced from sorghum grain threshed on different grounds. The highest mean (8.52 [micro]g k[g.sup.-1] grain) aflatoxin B1 and mean total fumonisin (1085.1 [micro]g k[g.sup.-1] grain) were detected from Babile sorghum grain samples threshed on bare ground. The highest total fumonisin (2002.8 [micro]g k[g.sup.-1]grain) was detected from Haramaya sorghum grain samples threshed on bare ground close to the farmers' sorghum fields. The variation was also observed in sorghum grain samples collected from the underground storage pits. High levels of aflatoxin [B.sub.1] and total fumonisin were recorded from sorghum grain samples collected from bare underground storage pits in all the three study districts. Use of bare underground storage pits for sorghum grain storage showed a high risk of mycotoxin contamination. The findings of this study call for intervention strategies to be implemented by subsistence farmers to reduce the contamination by aflatoxin [B.sub.1] and total fumonisin. Keywords: Aflatoxin, ELISA, Fumonisin, Grain, Mycotoxins, Postharvest, Sorghum, Toxin, Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by a wide variety of fungal species that cause nutritional losses and represent a significant hazard to the food chain [1]. Among the food-borne mycotoxins, [...]

Simonella enterica serovar Napoli has attracted interest since 1982, when chocolate contaminated with this serovar and imported from Italy caused 2 foodborne outbreaks (1,2). During 2000-2006, a 140% increase in [...]

A review of state-of-the-art methods of sample preparation and chemical analysis for the control of contaminants in foodstuffs and food raw materials is presented. The main achievements and performance characteristics of methods for the determination of pesticides and veterinary drugs, their metabolites, natural toxins, trace amounts of chemical elements, first of all toxic, allergens, food additives, and contaminants from packaging materials in foodstuffs and for the identification of falsifications by methods of chemical analysis are considered. Keywords: foodstuff, contaminants of different nature, food safety, methods of the determination of contaminants, The intensive development of the industry, power engineering, transport, and chemicalization of agriculture increases the danger of contamination of foodstuffs and edible raw materials with xenobiotics of different origin, often [...]

Toxic heavy metals can make their way into crops and animals from the air, water, soil, and food during growth, and can be introduced as contaminants during food processing. Many [...]